Month: August 2025

Astronomers in Pan-Starrs Observatory in Hawaii wrote the story in 2017 when they found 'Oumuamua, the first interstellar object (ISO), which was ever observed. Two years later, the Interstellare Comet 2i/Borisov became the second ISO that has ever been observed. And on July 1, 2025, the asteroid terrestrial Impact Last Alert System (Atlas) in Rio Hurtado discovered a third interstellar object in our solar system, the comet, which is now known as 3i/atlas (OR C/2025 N1 Atlas). Like its predecessors, the arrival of this object has fueled an immense scientific interest and led to suggestions for missions that could result in future ISOS.

Examples are Project Lyra, the Interstellar Object Explorer (IOE) and the Comet Interceptor of the ESA. In a work recently listed by Prof. Abraham Loeb from Harvard University, however, the opportunity examines a mission with 3i/Atlas that has been in space for years. According to its analysis, the Juno probe of the NASA could intercept this latest interstellar object as soon as it approaches Jupiter on March 16, 2025 and today humanity gives one of the most puzzling object classes in the universe in the universe today.

Abraham Loeb is the Frank B. Baird Jr. Professor of Science at Harvard University and director of the Institute for theory and Calculation (ITC) and the Galileo Projekt in the Harvard & Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics (CFA). Adam Hibberd and Adam Crowl joined him, who are both respected scientists with the non -profit initiative for interstellar studies (i4is) based in Great Britain. The paper, which recently describes your proposal, was published online and is checked for publication in the Astrophysical Journal Letters.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mrjuig2gnga

Loeb, Hibberd and Crowl are no strangers for Isos and the opportunity to send spaceships to make themselves and study them up close. In 2018, Prof. Loeb became a well -known name “could the solar radiation pressure 'Oumuamua's special acceleration explain?” In this paper and in his subsequent book with the title Extra -Restral, he argued that 'Oumuamua could have been an extraterrestrial spaceship, which explained his strange behavior and the way in which attempts were made to classify it.

Similarly, Hibberd received recognition for his work with the i4is via Project Lyra. This proposed mission would “catch up” oumuamua or future isos with luminaire technology and decepted energy drive (DEP). He also worked with Marshall Euins and Space Initiatives on the enthusiastic Proxima Centauri proposal, a concept that would also rely on DEP to send a swarm of space vehicles to study the closest rocky planet beyond our solar system (proxima b). Crowl is an independent researcher and drive engineer who was previously a member of Project Icarus, a design study for an interstellar probe based on the legacy of Project Daedalus.

Since 'Oumuamua has made its close path to earth, scientists dreamed of the day on which a committed mission was able to interlock and study an interlocking visitor. In several missions, rehearsal withdrawal missions have been carried out in the past decade to form an almost earth-ending asteroid (NEAS), including Jaxas Hayabusa and Hayabusa2 probes and the Osiris Rex probe from NASA. Since asteroids and comets are essentially material that remains from the formation of the solar system, the examination of these samples provides indications of the conditions about 4.5 billion years ago.

By studying the ISOS while running through our system, scientists can learn what conditions were available in other star systems without waiting for an interlocking spaceship to reach them. But as Prof. Loeb examined in his 2018 article, an ISO could be an artificial object (like a dilapidated spaceship), which exponentially increases the opportunities for scientific research. Hibberd, Crowl and Loeb examined similar options in a recently published article in relation to 3i/Atlas: “Is the Interstellar Object 3i/Atlas Alien Technology?”. As Prof. Loeb said today by e -mail to Universe, this makes a mission particularly appealing:

[W]E show that the application of a thrust of 2.675 kilometers per second on September 14, 2025 can bring the Juno spaceship from his orbit around Jupiter to intercept the path of 3i/Atlas. The close encounter of 3i/Atlas with Jupiter offers a rare opportunity to reduce Juno from his current orbit to Jupiter in order to intercept the path of 3i/Atlas in his closest approach to Jupiter.

The brightness of 3i/atlas implies a diameter of 20 kilometers for an asteroid with a typical reflection capacity (albedo) of 5%. As I showed in a published paper shortly after the discovery of 3i/Atlas, the detection of this object requires an unsustainable mass supply of rocky material from the Milky Way over 5 years after the ATLAS telescope's survey. If 3I/Atlas have a diameter of 20 kilometers, it may have attacked the inner solar system, as expected from the alien technology.

Top view of the trajectory of 3i/Atlas (blue) through the solar system with orbits and positions of planets. Credit: CSS/D. Rankin

As shown in her study, 3i/Atlas will reach about 53.6 million km (33.25 million million) or 0.358 AU on March 16, 2026. At this point, a shift in the orbit of the Juno spaceship would allow the path from 3I/in the approach to the Giant. This proposal deals with the challenge of building and using a spaceship on the construction and introduction of a spacecraft to intercept 3i/atlas before it takes the closest for the sun (October 29, 2025) and leaves our solar system. As Hibberd explained:

It is quite clear that a mission that has been started from earth to 3i is completely impossible, since we warn little before you arrive in the solar system. In addition, it would not be within the power envelope of the proposed mission of the ESA -Comet -Interceptor mission, in other words, even if a spaceship had been waiting on the sun/earth -l2 position. Now 3i by chance comes very close to Mars, Jupiter and Venus, which is a strange coincidence in itself and it is unlikely that it will be repeated with every future ISO.

In view of the above -mentioned serendipities and the impossibility of recognizing a special probe, in order to meet them in good time, it therefore seems sensible to inquire whether an existing spaceship that surrounds Mars or Jupiter could be used for a catch or a close approach. In this context, work is worthwhile, and such an analysis only applies to Isos, which accidentally have close encounters with the planets, which I have articulated will indeed be very rare.

In order to determine the optimal flight path that would lead to a rendezvous, the team was based on optimal inter -planetary trajectory software (Oits), a package that was originally developed by Hibberd for Project Lyra in 2017. As Hibberd explained, it enabled them to solve the problem of determining the orbits and speeds of Juno and 3i/Atlas (also known as Lambert problem), but only for an orbital cycle. In order to measure how close the Juno probe with a minimal bivide could reach the interstellar comets, Hibberd used other tailor-made software.

This consisted of the C software, which he developed with three libraries-the NASA JPL, navigation and NAIF (NAF information facility) as well as space vehicles, planet, instrument, C-matrix, events (spice) software that enabled the team to create a precise prediction of Jupiter and Junos Orbits. “The rebound software was also used to integrate the movement of all three bodies, and Nomad found that the minimum speed Juno was necessary to create an offset 3i/Atlas. As Loeb indicated, the results showed that catching up with a Jupiter Colonel Manöver:

If this exciting new goal is feasible, the mission of Juno will be rejuvenated and its scientific lifespan will be extended beyond March 14, 2026. So far we have examined a section of Juno with 3i/Atlas. The optimal option includes a Jupiter Oberth maneuver, in which on September 9, 2025 just 8 days before the originally intended date of termination for Juno's burglary in the atmosphere of Jupiter, an application of ∆V is required. After this thrust was delivered to the height of Juno, another ∆V is delivered, which is a Jupiter Oberth maneuver and on March 14, 2026 leads to a possible section of the Target 3i/Atlas.

The artist's rendering of the artist of Nasas Juno -probe circles Jupiter. Credit: NASA

They also show how Juno's instrument suite could all be used to examine the nature of 3i/atlas from a close distance. This includes its near-infrared spectrometer, the magnetometer, the microwave radiometer, the gravity science instrument, an energetic particle detector, the radio and plasma cameras, the UV spectrograph and the visible camera. The data that range from spectra and images to energetic emissions will answer questions about the composition of the property and inform us volumes about the home system and the conditions in the formed conditions.

“Our paper depends on a remarkable but verifiable hypothesis that 3I/Atlas is a functioning technological artifact that I and my two co authors do not necessarily attribute,” added Loeb. “However, this hypothesis earns a scientific analysis for two reasons: the consequences, if the hypothesis is as correct, could possibly be bad for humanity and possibly require defensive measures to take this (although they could prove to be unsuccessful). [Second,] The hypothesis is an interesting exercise and is fun to research regardless of your probable validity. “

However, the latest pictures taken by the Hubble world space telescope indicate that this possibility could not be off the table. Based on the brightness distribution of the surrounding coma, researchers have estimated that the core has an effective radius of less than 2.8 kilometers (~ 1.75 mi). However, all questions about your true nature are solved as soon as a) 3i/Atlas comes closer to the sun and begins to fill gases through sublimation, or b) The Juno probe has the option of examining it up close.

Regardless of the result, the results will surely be fascinating and tell us a lot about what is beyond the solar system.

Further reading: Arxiv

Spending tax money on reservoirs instead of renewables might have been more effective.

Press release

National Drought Group meets to address “nationally significant” water shortfall

Five areas remain in drought with six more in prolonged dry weather 

From: Environment Agency, Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs and Emma Hardy MP Published 12 August 2025

The National Drought Group met today (Monday 11 August) with the current water shortfall situation in England now defined as a “nationally significant incident.”  

Five areas are officially in drought, with six more experiencing prolonged dry weather following the driest six months to July since 1976.    

Despite the unsettled weather last month, many river flows and reservoir levels in England continued to recede compared to June.   

Rainstorms and showers helped mask the fact that July was still the fifth warmest on record.   

August has started to see a return of drier conditions and the fourth heatwave of the summer – putting more pressure on already struggling public water supplies and navigational waterways.   

The National Drought Group – which includes the Met Office, government, regulators, water companies, the National Farmers’ Union, Canal & River Trust, anglers, and conservation experts – used the meeting to highlight the water-saving measures each sector is taking.   

They also praised the public for reducing their own daily usage, with Yorkshire Water reporting a 10% reduction in domestic demand following their hosepipe ban. This equates to saving up to 80 million litres per day – equivalent to 32 Olympic-sized swimming pools.   

The less water that is used, the less needs to be abstracted from local rivers – therefore protecting the health of our waterways and wildlife.   

The Environment Agency’s Director of Water and NDG chair, Helen Wakeham said:

The current situation is nationally significant, and we are calling on everyone to play their part and help reduce the pressure on our water environment.  

Water companies must continue to quickly fix leaks and lead the way in saving water. We know the challenges farmers are facing and will continue to work with them, other land users, and businesses to ensure everyone acts sustainably.  

We are grateful to the public for following the restrictions, where in place, to conserve water in these dry conditions. Simple, everyday choices – such as turning off a tap or deleting old emails – also really helps the collective effort to reduce demand and help preserve the health of our rivers and wildlife.

The recent rainfall has been welcomed by growers, although the impacts from the dry weather remain as farmers continue their harvest.   

The National Farmers Union noted how water shortages have impacted the growing season this year.  

NFU Vice-President, Rachel Hallos said:

British farmers and growers continue to face extremely dry conditions, with harvest underway and crop yields proving mixed across the country. Some farms are reporting a significant drop in yields, which is financially devasting for the farm business and could have impacts for the UK’s overall harvest.  

Farming is a long-term industry and there is growing concern about the months ahead. Minimal grass growth means many livestock farmers are already tapping into winter feed stocks, raising the risk of higher production costs later in the year. 

Access to clean, reliable water is essential for food production. What’s worked well during this drought has been early, coordinated communication with stakeholders around licence restrictions and drought permits and orders and it’s crucial this continues. 

To avoid the swing between extreme drought and flooding and to secure water supplies for food production, we urgently need investment in water infrastructure and a more effective planning system.

Periods of dry weather and low rivers reduce oxygen levels in water that can lead to fish kills and more algal blooms. Lower river flows also prevent wildlife from moving up or downstream.   

Drying out wetlands can be devastating for species that depend on those habits while England has seen an increase in wildfires, devastating vulnerable areas of heathland and moorland.   

The Met Office updated the group on the future weather outlook, noting drier weather has returned.

Chief Meteorologist at the Met Office, Dr Will Lang said:

This week is starting off warmer than of late across England and Wales with temperatures getting towards the mid-30s Celsius for some in the south.

While conditions remain mostly settled across the south, the picture is more unsettled further northwest, with rain or showers at times.

As we move into the second half of August, there are indications of high pressure building and therefore largely settled conditions overall. Although dry weather is more likely, rain, showers or thunderstorms cannot be ruled out.

The heat and climate change also impact human health, through issues such as heatstroke, dehydration, and respiratory problems.    

Steve Reed, Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, and Philip Duffy, Chief Executive of the Environment Agency, have also briefed Pat McFadden, the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster, about the situation.  

Speaking after attending the meeting, Water Minister Emma Hardy said:

Working with the National Drought Group, the Government is urgently stepping up its response to ensure we are successfully managing the impacts of ongoing dry weather.  

Water companies must now take action to follow their drought plans – I will hold them to account if they delay.   

We face a growing water shortage in the next decade. That’s why we are pushing ahead with root and branch reform under our Plan for Change, which includes £104 billion of private investment to build nine reservoirs and new pipes to cut leaks.

CURRENT SITUATION

• Drought has been declared in: Yorkshire, Cumbria and Lancashire, Greater Manchester Merseyside and Cheshire, East Midlands, and the West Midlands.   
• Areas in prolonged dry weather (the phase before drought) are: Northeast, Lincolnshire and Northamptonshire, East Anglia, Thames, Wessex, Solent and South Downs.  
• The remaining areas are normal: Hertfordshire, London, Kent, Devon and Cornwall.  
• Yorkshire Water has a Temporary Usage Ban (TUB aka hosepipe ban) in place for all its customers.   
• Thames, South East Water, and Southern Water have postcode-specific bans.  
• Reservoirs fell by 2% last week and are now 67.7% full on average across England. The average for the first week of August is 80.5%. Last month, the average was 75.6%  
• The lowest reservoirs are Blithfield (49.1%), Derwent Valley (47.2%), Chew Valley Lake (48.3%), Blagdon (46.3%).   
• Rainfall in July was 89% of long-term average for the month across England. This is the sixth consecutive month of below average rainfall.    
• Across the country, 51% of river flows were normal with the rest below normal, notably low or exceptionally low.   
• Two rivers – Wye and Ely Ouse – were the lowest on record for July  
• There are currently navigation closures or restrictions across sections of the Leeds and Liverpool, Macclesfield, Trent and Mersey, Peak Forest, Rochdale, Oxford and Grand Union Canal.  
• More information here Dry weather and drought in England: 25 to 31 July 2025 – GOV.UK

ACTIONS BY NATIONAL DROUGHT GROUP MEMBERS  

• The UK Health Security Agency is working with the National Drought Group to update its public health impacts of drought guidance  
• Water companies are communicating with customers about current risks and advising them how to use water wisely during this dry period. 
• Water companies have stepped up action on leakage, with leaks down 41% compared to the level in 1989 when the industry was privatised.   
• Over £700 million has been committed by water companies to tackle leaks over the next five years.   
• Water companies have committed to reducing leakage by 50% from a 2017-18 baseline by 2050.  
• Yorkshire Water reported that repairs of leaks identified by smart meters had saved 1.5 million litres per day.   
• Yorkshire Water is fixing over 800 leaks per week.   
• Dwr Cymru Welsh Water is fixing over 700 leaks per week.
• Over 500,000 customers with Anglian Water have had leaks identified via their smart meters. This helped the firm reduce leaks by a total of 187 million litres a day, equivalent to 75 Olympic-sized swimming pools.  
• Anglian Water’s satellite technology has also helped prioritise leak detection, saving over 320,000 litres of water a day in rural areas, enough to supply 1,000 homes.  
• Southern Water has 24,000 acoustic sensors attached to the 15,500km of their water network to help detect leaks.  
• In the last 12 months, Southern Water have reduced leaks by almost 20%, saving 138.7 million litres per day. 
• Severn Trent has handed out 700 x 1,100 litre bowsers to farmers and several to the West Midlands Safari Park so livestock and animals have water.  
• Water-saving messaging has helped reduce demand in the Severn Trent area by 20%, compared to the peak on 11th July.   
• United Utilities are repairing more than 800 leaks a week and have seen a 200% increase in reports of leaks from customers.   
• United Utilities is offering free home water audits in some areas, with more than 3,700 booked in.  
• Thames Water has installed over one million smart meters, which are critical in helping locate leaks.  
• Since June, Thames Water has fixed over 1,000 leaks in the region impacted by the hosepipe ban. 

DROUGHT AND THE ENVIRONMENT AGENCY

• The Environment Agency continues to work with Government, including Defra and the Cabinet Office, on the drought response.   
• The Environment Agency has escalated its operational response and diverted resources to ensure a rapid and nationwide response.    
• It is conducting more compliance checks on businesses who abstract water to ensure regulations are met.    
• It is actively engaging with water companies on requests for drought permits and drought orders and ensuring they follow their drought plans.    
• There is increased monitoring of river and groundwater level and more modelling of rainfall patterns to inform decisions, including additional restrictions.    
• The Environment Agency is working closely with farmers in East Anglia, requesting voluntary reductions on surface water abstraction. This will help conserve and extend the total period when water is available for abstraction, protect the environment and delay the need for any formal restrictions.  
• The regulator has sped up the process of alerting abstractors about restrictions.  Manage your water abstraction licence online – GOV.UK.    
• The EA is managing potential navigation issues caused by low flows on the Rivers Thames, Lark and Great Ouse.   

HOW TO SAVE WATER AT HOME

• Install a rain butt to collect rainwater to use in the garden.  
• Fix a leaking toilet – leaky loos can waste 200-400 litres a day.     
• Use water from the kitchen to water your plants.   
• Avoid watering your lawn – brown grass will grow back healthy.  
• Turn off the taps when brushing teeth or shaving.   
• Take shorter showers.     
• Delete old emails and pictures as data centres require vast amounts of water to cool their systems.

Source: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/national-drought-group-meets-to-address-nationally-significant-water-shortfall

Water companies have long been accused of underinvestment, a charge water companies vigorously deny. From 2024;

Water investors have withdrawn billions, says research

21 May 2024ShareSave

Dearbail Jordan

Business reporter, BBC News

Shareholders in some of the UK’s largest water companies have taken out tens of billions of pounds but failed to invest, new research claims, with firms planning to raise household bills to fund future spending.

Investors have withdrawn £85.2bn from 10 water and sewage firms in England and Wales since the industry was privatised more than 30 years ago, analysis by the University of Greenwich suggests. 

Companies are under pressure following sewage spills and water leaks, which critics have blamed on under-investment in the country’s infrastructure.

Ofwat, the industry regulator, said it “strongly refuted” the figures.

“While we agree wholeheartedly with demands for companies to change, the facts are there has been huge investment in the sector of over £200bn,” a spokesperson said.

Water UK, which represents the industry, said investment in the sector was “double the annual levels seen before privatisation”. 

Water and sewage firms want to increase customers’ bills by an average 33% over the next five years to fund improvements in the services for households.

…

Read more: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cw4478wnjdpo

Clearly the UK attempt to singlehandedly change the global climate and stop weather extremes is failing to deliver.

Regardless of whether companies have been responsible custodians of Britain’s water assets, it seems clear some of the hundreds of billions of pounds which has been wasted on climate action should have been spent on water security.

Perhaps it is time for Britain to abandon Net Zero, and focus instead on sensible infrastructure investment, such as energy and water security.